Mobility Aids Research Articles

Modeling Predictive Age-Dependent and Age-Independent Symptoms and Comorbidities of Patients Seeking Treatment for COVID-19: Model Development and Validation Study.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage and burden hospitals around the world. The epidemic started in Wuhan, China, and was subsequently recognized by the World Health Organization as an international public health emergency and declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an unparalleled effect on all aspects of life.ObjectiveWith increasing total hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions, a better understanding of features related to patients with COVID-19 could help health care workers stratify patients based on the risk of developing a more severe case of COVID-19. Using predictive models, we strive to select the features that are most associated with more severe cases of COVID-19.MethodsOver 3 million participants reported their potential symptoms of COVID-19, along with their comorbidities and demographic information, on a smartphone-based app. Using data from the >10,000 individuals who indicated that they had tested positive for COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, we leveraged the Elastic Net regularized binary classifier to derive the predictors that are most correlated with users having a severe enough case of COVID-19 to seek treatment in a hospital setting. We then analyzed such features in relation to age and other demographics and their longitudinal trend.ResultsThe most predictive features found include fever, use of immunosuppressant medication, use of a mobility aid, shortness of breath, and severe fatigue. Such features are age-related, and some are disproportionally high in minority populations.ConclusionsPredictors selected from the predictive models can be used to stratify patients into groups based on how much medical attention they are expected to require. This could help health care workers devote valuable resources to prevent the escalation of the disease in vulnerable populations.

A Proof of Concept Study for the Design, Manufacturing, and Control of a Mobile Overground Gait-Training System

In this study, a mobile overground gait-training system (OGTS) was designed, and a prototype was manufactured to determine the feasibility and control stability of the designed system. Approval was received from the Institutional Review Board of Fu Jen Catholic University for conducting experimental testing on healthy individuals with the designed mobile OGTS. The designed system comprises a mobile electric walking aid (EWA), a body weight support system (BWSS), and an exoskeleton gait orthosis (EGO). The system can perform multiple functions for physical overground gait training. The mobile EWA and EGO can be operated separately from the mobile OGTS. An interval type-2 fuzzy sliding controller (IT2FSC) was designed to compensate for disturbances and uncertainties because the mobile OGTS has a coupling issue and potential subjects have different weights and body shapes. The mobile OGTS has one IT2FSC to provide a pulse-width modulation output to regulate two linear actuators for the BWSS, and it adopts four IT2FSCs to produce voltage outputs to control the gait trajectory of the EGO. Three experiments demonstrated that the mobile OGTS provides a stable control force to assist the user in overground gait training as well as assist-as-needed body weight support for gait training.

A Nation-Wide, Multi-Center Study on the Quality of Life of ALS Patients in Germany.

Improving quality of life (QoL) is central to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment. This Germany-wide, multicenter cross-sectional study analyses the impact of different symptom-specific treatments and ALS variants on QoL. Health-related QoL (HRQoL) in 325 ALS patients was assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire 5 (ALSAQ-5) and EuroQol Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L), together with disease severity (captured by the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R)) and the current care and therapies used by our cohort. At inclusion, the mean ALSAQ-5 total score was 56.93 (max. 100, best = 0) with a better QoL associated with a less severe disease status (β = −1.96 per increase of one point in the ALSFRS-R score, p < 0.001). “Limb-onset” ALS (lALS) was associated with a better QoL than “bulbar-onset” ALS (bALS) (mean ALSAQ-5 total score 55.46 versus 60.99, p = 0.040). Moreover, with the ALSFRS-R as a covariate, using a mobility aid (β = −7.60, p = 0.001), being tracheostomized (β = −14.80, p = 0.004) and using non-invasive ventilation (β = −5.71, p = 0.030) were associated with an improved QoL, compared to those at the same disease stage who did not use these aids. In contrast, antidepressant intake (β = 5.95, p = 0.007), and increasing age (β = 0.18, p = 0.023) were predictors of worse QoL. Our results showed that the ALSAQ-5 was better-suited for ALS patients than the EQ-5D-5L. Further, the early and symptom-specific clinical management and supply of assistive devices can significantly improve the individual HRQoL of ALS patients. Appropriate QoL questionnaires are needed to monitor the impact of treatment to provide the best possible and individualized care.

Petri Nets Android application as a mobile aid for students’ mastering modelling

Building models of various processes and their further investigation has been always in focus of different specialists’ training. There are some quite well known mechanisms and tools of modelling. However, Petri nets theory has found its wide application to the real-life parallel processes modelling. Petri nets give powerful facilities for dynamic models building and enable comprehensive learning of the process peculiarities. Hence, it is important to have relevant tools which allow to apply Petri nets potential to educational practice on purpose of earning by students skills of models building and investigation. The aim of the paper is to depict the functionality of the authors’ mobile Android application “Petri Nets Tool-Kit”, and to specify facilities and examples of its using for mastering modelling by students. Developed and represented in the paper mobile application provides students with the set of tools which enables to create, edit, save their own Petri nets as well as to change their parameters, visualize changing and play various scenarios of the modelled process. The “Petri Nets Tool-Kit” also contains relevant theoretical materials and the set of ready-made Petri nets examples, which makes the application attractive for mobile learning both in classroom activity and in students’ independent work in the context of their vocational training in terms of different specialties. The proper stages of learning activity for step-by-step mastering by students the basics of modelling and simulation are disclosed. It is shown that “Petri Nets Tool-Kit” is available exactly in its portable form for Android OS, which encourages students to mobile learning and arms them with a convenient simulation tool provoking them to improve their modelling and investigative skills anywhere during the day. The prospects of the work are outlined in terms of the empirical research as for validating the impact of modelling activity in the elaborated application on the trainees’ level of modelling skills.

The impact of gap dimensions on passengers boarding and alighting using different mobility aids at railway stations by laboratory experiments

ABSTRACT The main objective of the research is to study the impact generated by the dimensions of the horizontal (distance between the train and the platform) and vertical (height between the train and the platform) gap on passengers who use different mobility aids. The aim is to find standard dimensions in the design of the platform train interface, allowing an accessible boarding and alighting process for users with disabilities or reduced mobility. The method is based on experiments performed in a controlled environment at the Human Dynamics Laboratory (LDH) in Universidad de los Andes (Chile), through a mock-up configured with representative characteristics of a train and its adjacent platform. Using cameras arranged on the ceiling, the boarding and alighting process was registered according to a new accessibility level. The results allow obtaining scenarios with a ‘desirable gap’, as well as scenarios with inaccessible gaps.

Design and Development of Mobile AID for Muscular Dystrophy

A group of muscle diseasesresulting in the increasing weakening and the breakdown ofskeletal muscles over time is called as muscular dystrophy. The disorders differ in parameters like which muscles are primarily affected, the degree of weakness of bones, how fast they become worse, and when the symptoms for this disorder begin. Many people will become unable to walk eventually. There are more than thirty specific typesof muscular dystrophy undernine main categories. The most common type among these is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This is caused primarily due to the lack of a protein called Dystrophin and it is found in muscle fibre membrane of our body. Currently, there being no cure for it, somephysical, occupational, orthotic intervention (e.g., ankle-foot orthosis), speech, and respiratory therapies may tend in being helpful in terms of management. Being human they also love to travel alone and interested in satisfying their own needs which shows they need to live as a common man/woman than living in a situation where some people always crowd or assist around them in satisfying their needs. So, we decided to break the rules and allow them to move anywhere around their place and use the toilet during a nature call without anyone’s support by integrating the lifting mechanisms and the toilet provision in the wheel chair.

Quality of life, self-esteem, self-efficacy and social participation of persons living with mobility-related disability using mobility aids devices within select Nigerian communities

Background/purpose Disability has gained further global attention as a result of the integration of persons with disabilities into the societies. However, the association among quality of life (QoL), self-esteem (SE), self-efficacy (SEf) and social participation (SP) is inconclusive. This study was aimed to investigate the correlation among QoL, SE, SEf and SP in people living with mobility-related disability using mobility aid devices (MADs) in some selected communities of Enugu State. Methods This cross-sectional survey involved 200 consenting participants (mean age = 37.47 ± 13.00 years) purposively recruited from four different sampled communities who have community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services. Quality of life (QoL), SE, SEf and SP of participants were explored using 36-item Short Form Survey, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Participation Scale respectively. Data obtained was summarised using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and analysed using spearman’s Rank Order Correlation, Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results The mean QoL, SEf, SE, and SP of the participants are 55.06 ± 10.67, 25.00 ± 5.57, 16.36 ± 4.33 and 35.60 ± 13.50 respectively, which imply moderate QoL and SEf, high SE and severe restricted participation. QoL, SEf, SE, and SP significantly correlated with one another (p < 0.05). There was no significant influence of gender and occupational status of the participants on their QoL, SE, SEf and SP (p > 0.05). Conclusion Persons living with mobility-related disabilities have moderate QoL and SEf, high self-esteem and severe restriction in SP. QoL, SEf, SE, and SP correlated with one another. The possibility of improving other constructs by targeting one can be explored in disability rehabilitation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The increasing prevalence of disability presented the need to study four constructs of well-being (Quality of Life, Self-esteem, Self-efficacy and Social participation). The perception of one’s status and position in life can be negatively impacted upon by a mobility-related disability. Social participation may improve satisfaction and quality of life, which in turn could lead to better self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Development of the Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS) for skeletal dysplasia

BackgroundSkeletal dysplasia are genetic disorders of cartilage and bone, characterized by impairments commonly resulting in short stature, altered movement biomechanics, pain, fatigue and reduced functional performance. While current tools quantify functional mobility performance, they have not been standardly used in this population group and do not capture patient-reported symptoms such as pain or fatigue. This study evaluated a new tool, the Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS), designed to accurately and objectively assess functional mobility and associated symptomology for individuals with skeletal dysplasia.MethodsIndividuals aged 5–75 years with a skeletal dysplasia completed the STEMS, the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The correlation among the STEMS, use of mobility aides, FMS and 6MWT normalised for leg length was calculated. One-way analysis of variance compared the STEMS symptomatology to normalised 6MWT distance.ResultsOne hundred and fifty individuals with skeletal dysplasia (76 achondroplasia, 42 osteogenesis imperfecta, 32 other; 74 < 18 years, 76 ≥ 18 years) participated. Almost two thirds of the group reported pain and/or fatigue when mobilising at home, at work or school and within the community, but only twenty percent recorded use of a mobility device. The STEMS setting category demonstrated highly significant correlations with the corresponding FMS category (r = − 0.983 to − 0.0994, all p < 0.001), and a low significant correlation with the normalised 6MWT distance (r = − 0.323 to − 0.394, all p < 0.001). A decreased normalised 6MWT distance was recorded for individuals who reported symptoms of pain and/or fatigue when mobilising at home or at work/school (all p ≤ 0.004). Those who reported pain only when mobilising in the community had a normal 6MWT distance (p = 0.43–0.46).ConclusionsThe Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS) is a useful new tool to identify and record mobility aide use and associated self-reported symptoms across three environmental settings for adults and children with skeletal dysplasia. The STEMS may assist clinicians to monitor individuals for changes in functional mobility and symptoms over time, identify individuals who are functioning poorly compared to peers and need further assessment, and to measure effectiveness of treatment interventions in both clinical and research settings.

Parents’ perspectives of an Australian augmentative and alternative communication service: “I clapped for my child”

Australia’s new funding model, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), provides funding directly to the individual for reasonable and necessary supports. Parents’ perspectives of supporting a child with complex communication needs can inform future practice. The aim of this article is to examine parents’ perspectives of a communication service, their early experiences of the new funding model, and implications for future services. A mobile communication aid consultancy service, Kids Chat 2 You, was used to provide information and practical communication resources to participants ahead of the NDIS rollout in each region in Victoria, Australia. Parents of nine children with complex communication needs who attended Kids Chat 2 You participated in interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: accessing information; unrelenting responsibility; and looking to the future. Parents considered their role pivotal in supporting their child’s communication. They sought information and suitable services, and spoke of needing engagement from family, educators, disability professionals, and the community. Access to services and supports and collaboration with education and community sectors both presented as barriers within the new context of individualised support packages. A family-centred collaborative approach that addresses the needs of children with complex communication needs is recommended. The extent to which parents can access holistic augmentative and alternative communication supports poses a particular test of the success of the NDIS.

Falls and Associated Factors among Adolescents and Young Adults with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.

Background:Falls research among individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a group of congenital conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more body regions, is sparse. The primary objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of single, multiple, and injurious falls among adolescents and adults with AMC and identify factors associated with multiple and injurious falls.Methods:Individuals, aged 10–50 years, with a diagnosis of AMC completed questionnaires obtaining demographic and AMC-specific information, falls history (e.g., number, injurious/non-injurious), markers of bone health, orthopedic surgical history, and mobility aid use, as well as the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire and the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale. Falls were defined as “any body part above the ankle coming to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level”. Falling was defined as ≥ 1 fall, while multiple falls were defined as ≥ 2 falls in the past year.Differences in falling, multiple falls, and injurious falls rates between adolescents (10–17 years) and adults (aged 18–50 years) were evaluated. Using univariate binary logistic regression models, associations between participant characteristics and multiple falls, as well as injurious falls, were evaluated, while considering age as a covariate (p ≤ 0.050); odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results:Adolescents (N = 28; median age = 14 years) and adults (N = 40; median age = 32 years) with AMC had similar falling, i.e., 89.3% versus 70.0%, and injurious fall rates, i.e., 32.1% versus 27.5%, respectively (p > 0.050).Adolescents with AMC, however, were more likely to report multiple falls in the past year, i.e., 89.3%, when compared to adults with AMC, i.e., 57.5% (p = 0.005). Beyond age, multiple falls were associated with a greater number of lower-limb surgeries [p = 0.036, OR (95%CI): 1.18 (1.01–1.39)], ability to transfer floor-to-stand with support [p = 0.002, OR (95%CI): 8.98 (2.30–35.06)], and increased mobility per the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire [p = 0.004, OR (95%CI): 1.48 (1.13–1.92)]. Factors associated with a reduced odds of multiple falls were spinal involvement [p = 0.025, OR (95%CI): 0.23 (0.07–0.84)], history of spinal surgery [p = 0.018, OR (95%CI: 0.18 (0.04–0.74)], greater upper extremity involvement [OR (95%CI): 0.65 (0.44–0.95)], home assistive device use [p = 0.010, OR (95%CI): 0.15 (0.03–0.63)], and community wheelchair use [p = 0.006, OR (95%CI): 0.16 (0.04–0.59)]. None of the explored characteristics were associated with injurious falls in the past year (p > 0.050).Conclusion:Falls are exceedingly common among adolescents and adults with AMC; potential risk and protective factors for multiple falls are identified for future prospective falls research.

Research and Design of Mobility Aids

This paper designs a multifunctional mobility aid based on the STM32 microcontroller, which mainly provides security for the daily life of the elderly. The paper analyzes the basic working principle of the mobility aid, and designs the mechanized structure; thereby realizing the mechanization, intelligence and multi-functional technical characteristics of the mobility aid, which can effectively avoid the troubles caused by leg failure in function of the elderly, and provide convenience for the elderly to go out.

Special advice on the Uses of Mobility devices for persons withvisual impairment: practical approach of teaching Orientation and Mobility in University of Calabr.Cross River State, Nigeria.

This paper examines mobility devices for people with visual impairment. The major worry of this study is the lack of awareness and availabilityq of mobility devices to the public and people with visual impairment. A historical background of the mobility aids of the blind was traced and the importance of technology on mobility of people with visual impairment was identified. Various mobility aids with pictures such as white canes, guide dogs and optical aids were highlighted and their importance enumerated with the aim of creating awareness to the public as well as calling for stakeholders support on the availability of the mobility aids for people with visual impairment. Some limitations affecting the use of mobility aids such as information limitation, expenses, auditory cues, training difficulties and lack of performance measures were also identified. Conclusion was drawn on the basis of the importance and usefulness of mobility aids to the independence mobility of people with visual impairment

WITHDRAWN: Smart glove for digital texting and navigation for visually impaired

The goal of the work was to establish mobility aid for people with visual impairments. A system has been designed that emphasis reliable and required no user training for the integrated system. The main aim of the research was to develop a user-friendly interface. A glove integrated with an Arduino microcontroller, an ultrasonic sensor to sense distance from obstacles, and indicate direction with updated vibration feedback from vibration motors attached to each finger and IR sensors are used to sense the color variations of the surface and thereby identify the printed shapes through vibration feedback. The IR sensors are also used for typing with various combinations of finger touch. The wireless communication system is connected via Bluetooth to switch modes using mobile apps for gloves. It is evident from the project progress that the suggested concept in the future is realistic and low-cost travel assistance for people with visual disabilities and makes it cost-effective and user-friendly for society.

A multisensor electronic traveling aid for the visually impaired

BACKGROUND: Identifying obstacles and potholes in the pathway of the visually impaired have received much attention. While much has been done on the detection of obstacles, in the design of electronic mobility aids, much more is needed to be done on the detection of holes and drop-offs, especially those that are affordable and hands-free. This paper therefore considers the development of a wearable electronic mobility aid. METHODS: The developed system is based on the multisensor fusion approach of detection which combined three techniques, namely: a source of laser light, a camera and an ultrasonic sensor. A red line generating laser source is used to project a straight line and this is captured by the camera. The red line is deformed differently on coming in contact with holes or standing obstacles. The pattern of deformation is then extracted for obstacle and pothole recognition. The visibility of laser light is greatly reduced when the scene is extremely illuminated, so this is complemented with edge detection. The edge detection uses edges in the identification of holes and obstacles. This is combined with ultrasonic sensing, so that the presence of obstacles can be differentiated from that of holes. The outcome of detection and the distance of obstacles from the blind are relayed via an audio cue. REDULTS: Its evaluation showed better performance compared to the guide cane. It showed a reduction in collision rate by 83.25% and reduction in falling rate by 84.62%. The device received good acceptability from the users.

Device abandonment in deafblindness: a scoping review of the intersection of functionality and usability through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health lens

ObjectivesAbandonment of vision, hearing or mobility aids suggests common barriers and facilitators to ongoing device use. However, the possible interactive effects of combined hearing and vision disabilities on device use...

What are the perceptions of staff who work in, and professionals who advise on the design of, Australian aged care facilities on the value and use of handrails in corridors?

To investigate the perceived value of handrails and how they are used in Australian aged care facilities (ACFs). Such information aims to contribute to the body of knowledge available about handrails, their design features and application. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Online surveys were distributed to members of Australian professional networks, collecting information about handrail use, mobility supports and handrail design in ACFs. There were 112 participants (80% female), aged 18-55years or older. Many identified that handrails in ACF corridors are used by a residents, staff and visitors, and that circular-shaped handrails should be installed in ACF corridors to assist with mobility and safety. Handrails in ACF corridors offer an alternate support to those who experience an unexpected loss of balance and those without or unable to use a mobility aid, ultimately enabling users' mobility and assisting staff to carry out work duties.

Student-Led Fall Prevention Care Management Reduced Fall Risks at Assisted Living Facilities

Older adults in residential care settings are four times more likely than those not living in care facilities to experience falls. Yet, fall prevention efforts at long-term care settings are under-resourced, under-regulated, and under-studied. To address this gap, we developed and studied the impact of a specialty clinical, Fall Prevention Care Management (FPCM), for nursing students to decrease older adults’ fall risks. We enrolled assisted living residents that facility liaison identified as being high fall risk (fall rates or fall risk were not tracked at the study sites) and MOCA ≥15, in 2 assisted living facilities in Northwest USA. Participants received weekly, 1-hour, individual, semi-structured, Motivational Interviewing-based care management visits by same students over 6 visits. Changes in fall risks were measured by the CDC STEADI assessment (unsteadiness & worry), Falls Self-Efficacy Scale International-Short (FESI-S), and Falls Behavioral Scale (FAB). Twenty-five residents completed the study. Students addressed the following (multiple responses possible): emotional needs (n=23), improved motivation to prevent falls (n=21), and individualized education/coaching (i.e., exercise, mobility aids) (n=10-17). FESI-S score improved from 16.0 to 14.4 (p=.001; decreased fear. FAB score improved from 2.94 to 3.10 (p=.05; more frequent fall prevention behaviors). Frequency of those who felt steady while standing or walking increased (24% to 40%, p=.07) and those who did not worry about falling increased (20% to 36%, p=.08). FPCM clinical offered valuable opportunity to address unmet care needs of older adults to reduce fall risks.

Pain severity and healthcare resource utilization in patients with osteoarthritis in the United States

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) by osteoarthritis (OA) pain severity. Methods Cross-sectional surveys of US physicians and their patients were conducted between February and May 2017. Using the Numeric Rating Scale, patients were classified by self-reported pain intensity in the last week into mild (0–3), moderate (4–6), and severe (7–10) cohorts. Parameters assessed included clinical characteristics, HCRU, and current caregiver support. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and analysis of variance and chi-square tests were performed. Results Patients (n = 841) were mostly female (60.9%) and white (77.8%), with mean age of 64.6 years. Patients reported mild (45.4%), moderate (35.9%), and severe (18.7%) OA pain. Mean number of affected joints varied by pain severity (range mild: 2.7 to severe: 3.6; p < 0.0001). Pain severity was associated with an increased number of physician-reported and patient-reported overall healthcare provider visits (HCPs; both p < 0.001). As pain increased, patients reported an increased need for mobility aids, accessibility modifications to homes, and help with daily activities due to functional disability. The number of imaging tests used to diagnose OA was similar across pain severity but varied when used for monitoring (X-rays: p < 0.0001; computerized tomography scans: p < 0.0447). Hospitalization rates for OA were low but were significantly associated with pain severity (mild: 4.9%; severe: 11.5%). Emergency department visits were infrequent but increasing pain severity was associated with more prior and planned surgeries. Conclusion Greater current pain was associated with more prior HCRU including imaging for monitoring progression, HCP visits including more specialty care, hospitalizations, surgery/planned surgery, and loss of independence due to functional disability. Yet rates of hospitalizations and X-ray use were still sizable even among patients with mild pain. These cross-sectional findings warrant longitudinal assessment to further elucidate the impact of pain on HCRU.

Design for the visually impaired when traveling outdoors using omnidirectional imagery and image recognition

Assistive technologies, such as devices to help perform tasks, cognitive aids, mobility aids, physical modifications in the built environment and closed captioning, help to improve or maintain a person's ability to complete day-to-day tasks. For example, assistive technologies can be helpful for people with disabilities or the elderly, enabling them to work around challenges they may encounter. The development of assistive technologies depends on datasets, which are used for training, testing or validation. Furthermore, making such datasets widely available can help advance the field of assistive technologies. One area in which assistive technologies can be useful is in helping people who are visually impaired. For example, electronic mobility aids use ultrasonic waves that reflect off objects in front of people, letting them know what is ahead. At the Division of Industrial Art, Faculty of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, in Japan, Associate Professor Tetsuaki Baba is using a deep learning approach to develop assistive technology for visually impaired people. As a foundation for this work, he and his team have developed a dataset for developers to create deep learning vision-based applications for visually impaired people.

A novel walking cane with haptic biofeedback reduces knee adduction moment in the osteoarthritic knee

Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of ambulatory disability in adults. The most prescribed mobility aid, the walking cane, is often underloaded and therefore fails to reduce knee joint loading and provide symptomatic relief. For this study, a novel walking cane with haptic biofeedback was designed to improve cane loading and reduce the knee adduction moment (KAM).To determine; 1) the short-term efficacy of a novel walking cane using haptic biofeedback to encourage proper cane loading and 2) the effects of the novel cane on KAM.Cane loading and KAM, peak knee adduction moment (PKAM), and knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI)) while walking were calculated under five conditions: 1) naïve, 2A) after scale training (apply 20%BW to cane while standing, using a beam scale), 2B) scale recall (attempt to load the cane to 20%BW), 3A) after haptic training (vibrotactile biofeedback delivered when target cane load achieved), and 3B) haptic recall (attempt to load the cane to 20%BW with vibrotactile biofeedback delivered). Compared to the naïve condition all interventions significantly increased cane loading and reduced PKAM and KAAI. No differences between haptic recall and scale recall condition were observed.The haptic biofeedback cane was shown to be an effective and simple way to increase cane loading and reduced knee loading. Haptic biofeedback and scale training were equally effective at producing immediate short-term improvements in cane loading and knee loading. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of scale training and canes with haptic biofeedback on knee joint health, pain, and osteoarthritis disease progression.